The batcave is Bruce’s escape. Where he trains, studies cases, gets away from the world: it’s is haven.

And he makes sure it’s taken care of too, always clean, always picking up after his kids. Alfred makes sure to feed his bats too- all a healthy diet.

He’s got eyes on just one bat. ‘Maybe it’s sick’ he thinks. It won’t leave the ceiling, and it won’t eat, but it seems fine? Bruce wonders.

He’s up high one day, trying to check it out, when he notices it’s too aware, can sense too much too soon, something is wrong.

He’s sitting in the cave one day, working on a case study. All the bats are put away, retreating to their spots for sleep. Yet one lone bat still flies around, squeaking too much.